Ageing Flashcards
(23 cards)
What are some key physiological changes in normal ageing?
Lowered hormone levels, immune dysregulation, skin integrity loss, decreased bone density/muscle mass, stiffening of heart/arteries, declining kidney and lung function, neurological decline, and GI changes.
What factors contribute to accelerated ageing?
Poor diet, lack of exercise, stress, low socioeconomic status, diseases, medications, smoking, and genetic predisposition.
What role do telomeres play in ageing?
Telomeres shorten with each cell division; when too short, cells become senescent or die, contributing to ageing.
What lifestyle factors accelerate telomere shortening?
Smoking, poor diet, and stress accelerate telomere shortening, increasing disease risk.
What characterizes mature years (energetically) nutritionally?
Dryness—requiring soups, stews, smoothies, mucilaginous foods, and herbal teas to support hydration and digestion.
What characterizes old age (energetically) nutritionally?
Coldness—needing warm, cooked, mildly spiced foods to improve circulation and digestion.
What is sarcopenia?
Age-related loss of muscle mass, strength, and function.
What contributes to sarcopenia?
Sedentary lifestyle, poor nutrition, hormonal changes, inflammation, and chronic disease.
How does ageing affect energy requirements?
Loss of lean muscle lowers metabolic rate; fat mass may increase, raising disease risk.
What causes malnutrition in the elderly?
Reduced intake due to altered taste, medications, depression, social isolation, dysphagia, and chronic illness.
How does poor oral health affect nutrition in ageing?
Dentures, infections, and dry mouth impair chewing, swallowing, taste, and appetite.
What factors affect food choices in elderly people?
Physiological (vision loss, tremors), psychological (depression, isolation), economic (low income), and appetite regulation changes.
What GI changes affect nutrient absorption in ageing?
Reduced intrinsic factor and stomach acid impair B12 and iron absorption; increased SIBO risk; slower gastric motility.
What cardiovascular changes occur with ageing?
Arterial stiffening, higher systolic BP, decreased max heart rate, and left ventricular hypertrophy.
What renal changes happen in ageing?
Kidney cortex shrinks, nephrosclerosis occurs, and GFR declines.
What neurological changes accompany ageing?
Cognitive decline, coordination issues, depression, and B vitamin deficiencies affecting cognition.
How does immune function change with age?
Reduced T-cell function, increased infection and cancer risk, worsened by malnutrition.
How does ageing affect bones and cartilage?
Bone mineral density declines, increasing osteoporosis risk; cartilage stiffens and loses water.
What helps maintain bone health in ageing?
Weight-bearing exercise and adequate vitamin C intake.
Why is NAD+ important in ageing?
Essential for cellular function; its depletion is linked to age-related diseases.
How can NAD+ levels be supported?
Exercise, sleep, fasting/calorie restriction, and nutrient-rich diets.
What roles does melatonin play in ageing?
Regulates sleep, acts as antioxidant, supports immune function, and may protect against cancer.
How can melatonin levels be optimized?
Sunlight exposure by day, darkness at night, avoiding artificial light/stimulants, and consuming melatonin-rich foods.
